When it comes to candles, most choose the candle of their liking based on smell, size or the cute jar it comes in. Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax, but did you know that it’s toxic?
Yep, heard that right. Paraffin candles release toxins that are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes and are linked to asthma and lung cancer.
Next time you’re out shopping for your next batch of candles you might want to consider alternatives.
While there’s a few options to choose from, like beeswax candles, palm wax, bayberry and liquid wax, you’ll be doing yourself and your health a big favor by choosing soy wax.
Below you’ll find some of the best soy candles.
Why Soy Candles Are The Best
Soy Wax Candles Last Longer
Soy candles have one big advantage over most other types of candles: they burn at a cooler temperature and therefore allow them to last longer.
Their Scent Doesn’t Overpower Your Meal
Paraffin or beeswax candles release chemicals that can temper with the scent of your meal when having a lit candle nearby.
Soy Wax Candles Are Sustainable And Vegan
Soy wax is sustainable because it’s a natural by-product of soybeans, which makes it sustainable. Search for local brands who’ve grown soy beans sustainably.
Plus, since soy is biodegradable, it’s a lot easier to clean up if you accidentally spill wax.
Soy Candles Are Better For Your Health
Most candles cause indoor air pollution by producing soot.
Compared to paraffin candles, soy wax candles produce 90% less.
Additionally, other types of wax candles cause emissions to build up on walls, carpets and upholstery over time, reducing the air quality in your home.
How To Tell You’re Buying A Good Soy Candle
While soy candles are generally a much better option than their toxic counterparts, soy candles aren’t all the same.
Watch out for the actual percentage of soy in your candle. Most soy candles on the market aren’t 100% soy and are still releasing poisonous toxins found in paraffin.
Ideally, you’ll want to purchase your soy candles from a local brand growing their soy beans sustainably.
By doing this, you’re not only supporting your own health but also a local business and might even find a cute, unique gift for a friend you can feel good about.
11 Best Soy Candles
Now that you know what to look out for, I’ve rounded up the 11 best soy candles.
Hotel Lobby Candle
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our favorite soy candle of all time: Hotel Lobby Candle’s signature scent. The soon-to-launch company (which was started by the founder of this blog!) takes inspiration from the scents inside luxury hotels around the world.
Hotel Lobby Candle aims to recreate the five-star hotel experience through it’s signature “Hotel Lobby” scent—and intoxicating and sultry blend of agarwood, vetiver, and atlas cedar.
The brand officially launches in November, but will be taking pre-orders from 10/25/20 – 10/30/20.
Matchpoint
This is the definition of summer in a candle. With notes of fresh grass, cucumber – and tennis ball, this candle reminds of mild summer nights near the court. Whether you’re a pro, amateur, or just like the smell – this one’s for you. Praised by the likes of Buzzfeed, Fortune and People, this is an avant-garde statement candle lasting you 55 hours.
Balinese Ylang Ylang
This candle is equally a beautiful addition to your shelf decor as it’s tantalizing with its smell. The sweet, floral notes are balanced with Bergamot and Sandalwood for a burn time of 80 hours.
Additional bonus: the packaging and black vessel are recyclable.
Blomus Fraga Scented Candle – Fig
Whether you’re a fan of figs or not – it almost doesn’t matter with this pretty, muted pink concrete container. If the mixture of sweet floral notes with fruity fig isn’t you cup of tea, there’s also four other additional scents and colors like sea salt and sage.
Apothecary Jar Candle
This candle is a fan favorite with the Anthropologie crowd. Burning up to 120 hours(!), it smells of delicious floral honeysuckle, milk, oatmeal, vanilla and vetivier, hitting the perfect mix of fresh and floral.
‘Laurier 62’ Vintage Candle Tin
Laurier 62 is a unique looking gem of a candle with with notes of laurel, rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, cumin, clove, amber, patchouli and sandalwood. Hand-poured and topped with a cotton wick, this candle is a decorative statement as much as it’s a delight to breathe in.
Allison Kunath Woman No. 3 Candle
They say opposites attract and this woody and aromatic candle is a perfect example of that. The pink container and feminine illustration by artist Allison Kunath meet forest-y notes of sage, pine and spruce.
Candle No. 1
I’m a big fan of Follain’s No. 1 soothing candle. With relaxing scents of lavender, bergamot, sandalwood and vanilla, this candle instantly calms your senses after a busy day.
New York City Candle
If you’re ever feeling homesick and crave your New York City fix, this minimalistic and super popular candle was created with the distinctive scents of Central Park, concrete and department stores. You can almost hear the erratic honking of cabs.
Dark Rum Soy Candle
Handmade in Brooklyn, NY, MALIN + GOETZ sell a variety of sensual, musky candles ranging from tobacco and cannabis to dark rum and leather. Great for a man cave or to set the mood.
Livia Boerger is a German London-based self-care coach and wellness educator passionate about travel and mindfulness. She helps women redefine self-care on their terms and live intentionally so they can prioritize their wellbeing. Follow her blog or Instagram @madewithlemonsco
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